This is a route I have always wanted to do, since working on a concept of a 100-mile race along the River to Clouds route and all the accessible trails along the way. The original goal was to run this entire route out and back unsupported, relying on creeks and rivers for water while carrying all the nutrition necessary. The weather this weekend was questionable, with rain lingering throughout the forecast. I decided to start midday Saturday, as that was my best opportunity. I carried 2L of water and approximately 4000 calories between food and drink mixes.
I ran into my friends Will and Charlie climbing up the Jackson Gap Trail. There was some light drizzle, but it was nice to catch up with them for 5-10 minutes until I reached the top of the climb and turned off. I was able to fill up my filters with water near Covenant College. The weather felt great up there and continued along the Moonshine trails towards Lula Lake. The creek was very low, and was unable to fill my flasks since they were using that water to pump over to the waterfall. I followed the placards along the Lula Lake trail, and it deviated from the GPX route on my watch. (I can show pics and videos if necessary)
Once I exited there, I went down the road for about 1/2 mile and found a small detour. The Nick-a-Jack trailhead area was closed. They laid down concrete to fix the heavily eroded gravel trail. I got my car stuck going up it once, so much needed! I went an extra 1/4 mile down the road to rejoin the trail at the Long Branch trailhead. I stopped to refill along the trail and continued through the private section of land. All the trailside creeks had dried up, even the mudpits. I quickly became thirsty and so I slowed down to preserve my calories, hydration, and energy. I finally found a water source several miles later at the Ascalon trailhead.
From there, the weather began to improve in the early evening as I approached Cloudland Canyon State Park. I stopped in the restroom to filter some water. I now had reception to look at the forecast and decided to stop after completing 1 way of the route due to thunderstorms in the area and the lack of water available along the route. I underestimated the scarcity of water available and that made this trek much more difficult. Due to this change, I ultimately had to get back to the starting point on foot because my phone died from a full charge by the time I made it into the nearby town. Thankfully I beat (most of) the inclement weather and returned safely.
I hope to attempt the entire route out and back in the future.